Turning heritage space into a vibrant business incubator
Housed on the third floor of Broadstone Mill, a Grade II listed building that was once Europe’s largest cotton spinning mill.
The incubator workspace, established in 2008, was not meeting SMBC's objectives as a supportive work environment for new and growing businesses.
In 2013, the Council secured ERDF funding and appointed Oxford Innovation Space to help take the centre forward.
As part of Stockport Council's Innovation Centres portfolio, we now also manage Merchants House and Merseyway Innovation Centre on behalf of the Council, in addition to the Stockport Business and Innovation Centre. Together, these centres form Innovate Stockport, a brand integral to Stockport's Economic Plan.
Innovate Stockport not only generates new employment prospects for local residents but also fosters job expansion and champions innovation and entrepreneurial spirit within the community.
The first task for this project was to support the Council in repositioning the centre and developing a plan to increase occupancy amongst target sectors.
We re-branded the centre to Stockport Business & Innovation Centre, refurbished the interior spaces, and created a destination fit for the creative thinkers of Stockport.
- Expert business support
As part of our service to customers, we provided access to free expert advice, invaluable networking opportunities, and community support. From personalised 1-2-1 coaching to workshops and masterclasses for business growth. - A new brand appropriate for the target audience
We changed the brand to showcase that the centre supports more established businesses as they grow as well and continue to innovate as well as start-ups. - Spaces refurbished to attract creatives
The centre’s refurbishment programme, funded by the council, included the creation of a business lounge, aptly named “The Engine House”, along with upgrades to the facilities and internet provision. - A focused marketing strategy to attract the right customers
An integrated marketing strategy was produced to promote the refreshed centre’s offering including a focus on the centre’s desirable show office, a brand new SEO-enabled website, and a variety of promotional and PR activity. - A workspace designed to inspire collaboration
All of the above resulted in an environment that is aspirational and inspiring. A space where the creatives of Stockport can come together to grow their businesses.
- A variety of spaces for a variety of needs
Businesses embraced the refurbishment of the space and new management approach and were quick to appreciate the variety of office spaces available. - Helping local businesses and the local economy thrive
To date, the centre has supported over 1,000 businesses on their journey to growth and generated an additional £7 million + GVA in the local economy. The centre also delivers Pioneer 10, our year long accelerator and support programme that has helped over 4,000 start-ups, entrepreneurs and SME businesses to grow. - Improved performance for the centre itself
With increased occupancy and more efficient management of high-quality services, the centre has itself seen significantly improved financial performance and continues to add value to the local area including work placements and apprenticeships for local young people and community fundraising activities.
Innovators inspired
